Lacrimation
What Is Lacrimation?
Lacrimation is the medical term for crying or tear production. It is a normal and necessary emotional and physical response to a range of internal or external stimuli. Tears contain oils, antibodies, and other substances that serve the purpose of lubrication, protection, and cleaning of the eyes.
Types Of Lacrimation
There are two types of lacrimation: basal and reflexive. Basal lacrimation is a normal response to dryness in the eyes produced by blinking and other eye movements. This type of lacrimation also helps to keep the eyes healthy and lubricated. Reflexive lacrimation is a response to emotional stimuli such as sadness, anger, fear, or even joy. This type of lacrimation is usually more intense than basal lacrimation and can be triggered by emotions or external sensory stimuli.
Causes Of Excessive Lacrimation
Excessive lacrimation can be an indication of a number of underlying medical conditions such as:
- Infections
- Allergies
- Eye irritants
- Dry eye
- Eyestrain
- Medications
- Glaucoma
It is important to consult a qualified medical professional in the event of excessive lacrimation in order to determine the cause and receive the appropriate treatment.